National Basketball Association
Cleveland 103, Memphis 86
When: 7:00 PM ET, Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Officials: #28 Kevin Scott, #52 Scott Twardoski, #8 Marc Davis
Attendance: 20562

CLEVELAND -- Tyronn Lue approached the Cavaliers' home-and-home series against the Memphis Grizzlies wanting to at least get a split. So the Cleveland coach played two of his three stars Tuesday, knowing full well he was resting all of them Wednesday.

The plan worked.

Kevin Love scored 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and LeBron James added 23 points, eight assists and six rebounds in the Cavaliers' 103-86 victory against the Grizzlies. Immediately after it ended, Lue announced James, Love and Kyrie Irving were all staying home and wouldn't make the flight to Memphis for Wednesday's rematch.

Irving was fighting tired legs, so Lue made the decision to give him the week off and bring him back Saturday. Lue could have staggered the nights off for James and Love, playing one in each game, but chose instead to play them both at home and not travel either.

"We're home, to play in front of our fans and you had a home game. So, with two of the Big Three, I know we can win that game," Lue said. "It will be hard to go down and travel, and to ask one person to try to carry the team, especially the way the offense runs."

Without Irving on the court, Cavs guard J.R. Smith broke out of a deep shooting slump and filled in admirably with six 3-pointers and 23 points.

Zach Randolph scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds in his first start this season for the Grizzlies, who were without All-Star center Marc Gasol. Like the Cavs, the Grizzlies chose to rest their star despite already being short-handed. Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons are two of five Grizzlies out with injuries.

"This was kind of marked on the calendar for a while," Grizzlies coach David Fizdale said. "We knew this stretch was coming with this back-to-back and we were going to have to make some decisions. The timing isn't perfect because (Gasol) is playing so well and with him getting Player of the Week and all, but it is what it is. We're thinking big picture and making sure he can sustain a full season."

Andrew Harrison and Troy Williams each scored 13 points for Memphis (17-9), which fell behind by 22 in the second quarter.

"You can't spot a great team that many points and think you're gonna get it going on their floor and make a full run and come back," Fizdale said. "We showed some moments where we were cutting into their lead, but it's too late. I was disappointed with our effort in the first half."

The Cavs (18-5) maintained a 58-43 lead at the break before the teams combined to miss 30 of 41 shots in the third quarter and commit nine turnovers.

A jumper by Toney Douglas pulled the Grizzlies within 75-66 early in the fourth, but Channing Frye's 3-pointer stemmed the momentum. The Cavs pushed the lead back out to 20 before Lue cleared the bench in the final minutes.

Afterward, James offered no apologies for missing what will be the Cavs' only trip to Memphis this season.

"My coach wants me to rest, I don't buck my coach. That's what he wants, and that's what we're gonna do," James said. "I've been in this league 14 years. I shouldn't have to explain me sitting out a game or not playing games.

"I've played in every arena, including Seattle that's no longer here. It's not like it's my first year. I've got 14 years. I've paid my dues and more than a lot of guys in this league. But I'll ride with my coach."

NOTES: The Cavs and city of Cleveland announced a $140 renovation project for Quicken Loans Arena that will be evenly split between taxpayers and the team. Once the project is completed, the league has agreed to bring the All-Star Game back to Cleveland for the first time since 1997. ... Cavs G J.R. Smith moved ahead of Dale Ellis and into 14th place on the NBA's all-time list for 3-pointers. ... F LeBron James was honored as Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of the Year at a gala Monday night in New York. ... F Vince Carter returned to the Grizzlies after missing seven games with a strained right hip. He scored three points. ... Grizzlies rookie center Deyonta Davis injured his left foot in the fourth quarter and didn't return. Coach David Fizdale said Davis might miss some time, but he doesn't think it is serious.
Top Game Performances
 
Memphis   Cleveland
Zach Randolph 18 Scoring Kevin Love 29
Vince Carter 4 Assists LeBron James 8
Jarell Martin 10 Rebounds Kevin Love 13
Wade Baldwin IV 4 Free Throws Made Kevin Love 8
Tony Allen 3 Steals LeBron James 3
Andrew Harrison 3 Blocks DeAndre Liggins 1
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Points FG% 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA Assists Rebounds Blocks Steals Turnovers
Memphis 86 40.7 4-22 12-15 19 43 6 10 16
Cleveland 103 45.7 12-31 17-23 21 46 4 8 18
Upcoming Games
  • Cleveland will play their next game on the road against Memphis. The Cavaliers have a W/L % of .824 after a win and .667 after a loss.
  • Memphis will play their next game at home against Cleveland. The Grizzlies have a W/L % of .588 after a win and .778 after a loss.